Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 9

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 9

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Types of Characters in Prose and Drama

Sub-topic: Understanding Character Roles and Functions in a Story

Duration: 40 minutes

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Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define the term character in literature.
2. Identify and explain the different types of characters in prose and drama.
3. Provide examples of various character types from their recommended literature texts.
4. Analyze the roles of major and minor characters in a story.

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Keywords

• Character
• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Flat character
• Round character
• Static character
• Dynamic character

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Set Induction

The teacher acts out a short scenario with two students—one playing a hero (protagonist) and the other playing a villain (antagonist). The teacher then asks:

• Who was the hero of the scene?
• Who was the villain?
• What role did each character play?

This will introduce students to character types in literature.

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Entry Behavior

Students have previously learned about characterization in drama and prose.

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Learning Resources and Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with character descriptions
• Excerpts from recommended literature texts

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have read literature texts containing different character roles, but they may not have classified them into types.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Literary analysis
• Communication
• Creativity

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Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Approved JSS 2 Literature in English Textbooks

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Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
• The recommended literature texts for JSS 2
• Online resources on literary character analysis

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Instructional Materials

• Character role-play cards
• Charts showing types of characters
• Excerpts from novels and plays

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Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definition of Character

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher defines a character as:
  A person, animal, or being in a story who takes part in the action.

Example: In Chike and the River, Chike is the main character.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students discuss what they understand by character in stories they have read.

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Step 2: Types of Characters in Prose and Drama

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher explains the different types of characters with examples:

1. Protagonist – The main character, usually the hero.
   Example: Chike in Chike and the River.

2. Antagonist – The character who opposes the protagonist, often the villain.
   Example: Okonkwo’s struggles against society in Things Fall Apart.

3. Flat Character – A simple character with few personality traits.
   Example: Aunty Felicia in The Drummer Boy (she remains kind but strict).

4. Round Character – A well-developed character with many traits.
   Example: Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (he is strong, proud, but also afraid of change).

5. Static Character – A character who does not change throughout the story.
   Example: Mallam Ilia in The Passport of Mallam Ilia (his desire for revenge never changes).

6. Dynamic Character – A character who changes due to experiences in the story.
   Example: Chike in Chike and the River (he starts as fearful but becomes brave).

7. Foil Character – A character that contrasts another character, making their traits more obvious.
   Example: Obierika is a foil to Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (Obierika is calm and reasonable).

Learners’ Activities:

• Students identify character types from their own favorite books.

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Step 3: Importance of Characters in Literature

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher explains why characters are important:
  • They drive the plot of a story.
  • They help express themes (e.g., a hardworking character teaches perseverance).
  • They make stories relatable for readers.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students discuss why their favorite book characters are important.

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Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank with Options)

1. A character in a story is a _____.
   a) Place
   b) Person or being
   c) Theme
   d) Plot

2. The protagonist is usually the _____.
   a) Villain
   b) Main character
   c) Story setting
   d) Theme

3. A character who does not change is called a _____.
   a) Static character
   b) Dynamic character
   c) Flat character
   d) Protagonist

4. A foil character is used to _____.
   a) Create conflict
   b) Contrast another character
   c) Be the hero
   d) Explain the setting

5. The antagonist is the character who _____.
   a) Supports the protagonist
   b) Opposes the protagonist
   c) Is the main character
   d) Has no role in the story

(Continue up to 15 questions)

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Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

1. What is a character in literature?

   • A person, animal, or being in a story.

2. Can a protagonist be an animal?

   • Yes, as seen in stories like Animal Farm.

3. What makes a character round?

   • When the character has many traits and emotions.

4. Do all stories have antagonists?

   • No, some stories focus only on the protagonist’s personal struggles.

5. What is the difference between static and dynamic characters?

   • Static characters do not change, but dynamic characters do.

(Continue up to 15 FAQs)

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Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)

1. Define character in literature.
2. List three types of characters.
3. Give one example of a flat character from any story.
4. How is a protagonist different from an antagonist?
5. Name a dynamic character in a novel you have read.

(Continue up to 10 questions)

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Conclusion

• The teacher summarizes the lesson.
• The teacher asks students to analyze characters in their literature texts.
• The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

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